The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) is appointing Jackie Orme as its new chief executive.

Orme will succeed Geoff Armstrong, who is retiring in June 2008 , and is set to join the CIPD in April 2008. She is currently chief personnel officer and vice-president, HR at PepsiCo International and sits on its international HR council.

Vicky Wright, CIPD president, said of the new appointment: "As a leading practitioner and innovator, she (Orme) is ideally placed to lead the profession into the future. She's also got the business experience needed to drive continued high performance and growth at the CIPD."

Orme described the new post as a “great honour”.

“I'm looking forward to leading the CIPD's work to develop and promote great practice in the management and development of people,” she added.